A year ago, I launched My Tennis Coach Academy with the goal of helping coaches transition to a modern, evidence-based approach to player development. Over the past 12 months, I’ve worked with passionate coaches, navigated challenges, and seen incredible transformations. As we celebrate our one-year anniversary, I want to share five key lessons I’ve learned along the way.
1. Modern Coaching Requires a Mindset Shift
When coaches first join the Academy, many expect to learn a set of drills they can immediately apply. However, modern coaching isn’t about copying exercises—it’s about understanding principles that guide effective practice design. The biggest breakthroughs come when coaches shift from a drill-based mentality to a constraints-led approach, focusing on learning environments that promote decision-making and adaptability.
2. Coaches Need a Community, Not Just Information
Having access to great coaching content is valuable, but the real magic happens when coaches engage with each other. Inside My Tennis Coach Academy, discussions, case studies, and live Q&A sessions have been just as impactful as the coursework itself. Learning from peers, sharing experiences, and troubleshooting challenges in a supportive environment accelerates growth in ways that solo study cannot.
3. Players Thrive When They Take Ownership
One of the most rewarding shifts I’ve seen is coaches empowering players to take ownership of their development. The traditional model of constant instruction and correction stifles player growth. Instead, using guided discovery, self-reflection, and My Player Review, players develop problem-solving skills, confidence, and resilience—qualities that translate to long-term success on and off the court.
4. Progress is Non-Linear—For Coaches and Players
Both coaches and players often expect steady, linear progress, but real development is anything but smooth. Setbacks, plateaus, and breakthroughs are all part of the process. The key is consistency and reflection—coaches who embrace this mindset not only become better educators but also foster players who are more resilient under pressure.
5. Modern Coaching is the Future—But It’s Not the Norm (Yet)
Despite the proven benefits of ecological dynamics and the Constraints-Led Approach, traditional methods still dominate the coaching landscape. Changing ingrained beliefs takes time. Seeing our Academy members successfully implement modern approaches in their programs has reinforced that we’re on the right track—but there’s still work to be done in shifting the industry’s mindset.
Celebrate With Us!
One year in, and we’re just getting started! If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your coaching approach, now is the perfect time to join My Tennis Coach Academy.
